Registration is now open for the 10th Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit! Click here for more info

Canadian Autism Leadership Summit

An Autism Alliance of Canada signature initiative

The Canadian Autism Leadership Summit (CALS) is a platform where Autistic persons, community leaders, decision-makers, and researchers come together to discuss items that advance a National Autism Strategy. Together, we strengthen our collective voice.

Autism Alliance of Canada leverages CALS to catalyze action on shared priorities, contributing towards a more inclusive Canada through the development of autism policy that captures the diverse perspectives of Autistic people in Canada and their loved ones.

Panelists and participants at CALS

I will never forget this experience.

Meeting fellow minded people and also people who understand and can relate to us, especially Autistic adults, it is definitely life-changing.

Headshot of Reeba Sara Koshy

Reeba Sara Koshy
Autistic advocate, CALS2023 Attendee

Join us

The 10th Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit will take place April 17 – 19, 2024 at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa and via livestream. Reserve your spot today!

Numerous speakers at CALS in a group hug

Support the Summit

By supporting the Canadian Autism Leadership Summit, you play a pivotal role in embracing inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. Your contribution will help the community to empower Autistic Canadians and their loved ones to realize their full potential and contribute to a more inclusive society. It is an opportunity to make a real impact by bringing the experiences of underrepresented groups to the forefront.

Former Senator Jim Munson speaking at a podium at CALS

Jim and Ginette Munson Autism Leadership Award

In 2021, Autism Alliance of Canada created The Jim and Ginette Munson Autism Leadership Award, in recognition of the unflagging determination and leadership shown by The Honourable Jim Munson, former member of the Senate of Canada, and his wife, Ginette Munson.

This annual award underlines the Munsons’ longstanding commitment in the pursuit of a better Canada for Autistic persons, their families and communities. Each year, this award is presented to someone living in Canada who has demonstrated the leadership, determination and values that reflect the Munsons’ commitment to the creation of a National Autism Strategy.

Past Summits

Senator Jim Munson at CALS

9th Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit

The 9th Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit (CALS2023), hosted from April 17th to 19th, 2023 at the Delta Hotels By Marriott Ottawa City Centre and via livestream, highlighted international practices to inform autism policy in Canada as well as collaborative practices in the provincial and territorial landscape.

CALS2022 summary in numbers

8th Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit

The 8th Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit (CALS2022), hosted from April 4-5, 2022. Over 300 participants, presenters, panelists and moderators came together from across the country to learn about and weigh in on autism policy in Canada.

#CALS2021 banner

7th Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit

The 7th Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit (CALS2021) took place virtually on October 6, 2021. There were countless stories of meeting new people, engaging with different perspectives and learning new ideas. This illustrates the strength of our community.

Autism Alliance of Canada strives to build community capacity through knowledge exchange. Our Annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit is one such example of how we action this mission. The learnings gained throughout the Summit are integral as the Alliance and our members continue to work closely with the government to guide Canada’s National Autism Strategy.

Headshot of Dr. Jonathan Lai, Executive Director of Autism Alliance of Canada

Dr. Jonathan Lai
Executive Director, Autism Alliance of Canada

Two seated participants at CALS

Become a member

As a member of Autism Alliance of Canada, you contribute to enhancing our impact through a strong, unified, collaborative voice by participating in a national shared leadership movement.

Take a look at our Membership Page to learn more about what it means to be a member of Autism Alliance of Canada.